Lathraea squamaria
common toothwort
Overview
Lathraea squamaria is a perennial root parasite in the broomrape family, lacking chlorophyll and drawing all its water and nutrients from the roots of host trees, chiefly Corylus avellana and Alnus spp. species. Most of the plant exists underground as a branched white rhizome covered in fleshy, tooth-like scales, from which the name toothwort derives. In early spring, fleshy flowering stems 3-12 inches (8-30 cm) tall push above the leaf litter, pale pink to cream and entirely without green leaves. Each stem carries a one-sided raceme of tubular, two-lipped flowers 0.4-0.7 inch (10-17 mm) long, dull pink to purplish, that hang in a single row. The whole plant has a translucent, waxy look and blackens as it dries. After flowering, the stems set capsule fruits and wither by early summer, leaving no trace above ground for the rest of the year. Because it depends entirely on a living host, it cannot be grown in ordinary soil and appears only in woodlands and hedgerows where suitable hosts occur. It spreads slowly by rhizome and by seed, and colonies can persist for decades in undisturbed shaded ground.
Native Range
Native across much of Europe, from Britain and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean, and east into the Caucasus and western Asia. It grows in damp deciduous woodland, hedgerows, and shaded stream banks where host trees are present.Suggested Uses
Occurs in native woodland gardens and conservation plantings only where its host trees already grow. It cannot be transplanted or grown as a border or container plant because of its parasitic habit.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3" - 1'
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowers appear from early to mid spring, typically March to May, soon after the host trees break dormancy. The dull pink racemes last several weeks before the stems set seed and wither. Bumblebees are the main pollinators of the tubular flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to creamFoliage Description
white scales (no green leaves)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight